Retiring solo overseas might sound bold to some — but for Cath Kirkham, it was a long-held dream finally brought to life.
After years of meaningful work in education and public service in Australia, Cath was ready for a new chapter. Drawn back to the island that had long captured her heart, she made the leap and relocated to Bali, trading routine for freedom and discovering a rich sense of community along the way.
In this interview, Cath shares what it’s really like to retire alone in Bali — from finding her rhythm in Sanur and navigating the cost of living, to embracing local traditions and building lasting friendships.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what did your life look like before retirement?
I was born in the southern beachside suburbs of Sydney, NSW in the 60s. I made the move north to Brisbane, QLD in 2000 to raise my family of 3 boys in a more relaxed and laid-back environment and make the most of the warm, QLD climate.
In Sydney I worked as a Project and Training Manager in the NSW Police Service and after moving to QLD I worked as an Educator in Special Education and as a Camp Coordinator.
When did you move to Bali?
I initially relocated to Bali in early January this year, travelling around for several weeks before settling into a self-contained apartment in a resort in Sanur.
My plan to live in Bali has no end date and have decided to reassess my options in 2 years. Whilst I love living here, it’s tempting to spread my wings and try another part of Bali, Indonesia or another country.
What made you decide to retire overseas, and what drew you specifically to Bali?
After my first trip to Bali back in 2008, I instantly fell in love with the culture, beauty and spirituality of the island. Bali has a way of pulling you back year after year and I decided that it was somewhere that I wanted to immerse myself rather than just having a holiday here year after year.
How did you come across Our Year in Bali, and why was the service valuable to you?
I discovered OYIB via Instagram and was surprised at the wealth of knowledge and networks that they provided. Simone was a joy to speak to via our Zoom call where we discussed every aspect of moving to Bali and focussed on services and topics relevant to my needs.
I purchased the Silver Package which included literally everything to make my relocation seamless. On the ground here in Bali, Simone continues to provide support and links to products and services as things here shift and change.
What has it been like retiring solo in Bali and what advice do you have for other solo retirees?
As a solo retiree, I have found it relatively easy to make friends and connections with other expats and local Balinese. I have joined several Facebook and WhatsApp groups that meet regularly for drinks, dinners and other social events and formed friendships with expats living in Bali. I also have a wonderful friendship with a Balinese family who have introduced me to their extended family and we meet regularly.
My advice to solo retirees is to join a few expat groups and chat with the locals in your community as you will discover Bali has so much more than the tourism scene. Expats are a wealth of knowledge and will gladly provide tips for making your entry into ‘Bali Life’ a lot simpler.
Where do you live in Bali?
Having travelled to various coastal and inland areas of Bali, I was looking at somewhere with a laid-back atmosphere, close to the coast that had a mix of local and western-style eateries and shops, without the traffic and tourist chaos. I fell in love with Sanur from my first visit. It ticked all my boxes and due to its close proximity to the airport, outer islands and state of the art medical facilities, it was and still is the perfect location for me.
I live in a self-contained apartment about a 5-10 minute walk from Pantai Karang which is an easy walk to many restaurants , warungs and shops. It’s an easy Grab or Gojek ride to go further afield for shopping local-style or sightseeing different areas of Denpasar and talking with locals.
How did you plan financially for retirement abroad?
I kept my options open when moving to Sanur as you never know what the future holds. I decided to keep my property in Brisbane and utilise my superannuation as my main income source. It’s more than enough to cover my accommodation and living expenses for a few more years. Preparing a budget before moving to Bali was critical to ensure that I could enjoy a lifestyle that was comfortable for me, allowing me to travel to other parts of Indonesia and countries close by. Having a weekly budget for eating out, transport, groceries and little luxuries helped me settle into the Bali life.
How does the cost of day-to-day life in Bali compare to Australia?
Day to day costs of living in Bali are definitely cheaper than Australia if you choose to eat at local warungs and shop at local-style supermarkets mixed with Western-style restaurants and shops. Many of the foods and luxuries from home are available, however you will pay a premium price. My advice would be to find a local replacement if you can, or budget for life’s little luxuries that you can’t do without. Or alternatively, have friends bring those hard to find items over when they come to visit. I actually have seen more of my Australian friends since moving to Bali!
What’s been your experience with medical care in Bali?
So far, touch wood, I haven’t needed to access medical care here in Bali but through OYIB have connections to medical professionals, hospitals and pharmacists if needed. I have been to a dentist for my 6-monthly check-up and clean which was highly professional and about ¼ the cost of Australia.
What does a typical day look like for you now in retirement?
A typical day here for me is embracing the lack of a routine. I choose to grab a good book and swim in the resort pool most days. Deciding what to eat and where can be spur of the moment and gives me an opportunity to use and build on my language skills with the locals. Bali life is best described as ‘Go with the Flow’ and be flexible. No need to have a daily or weekly routine. That went out the window as soon as I left Australia!
What are some of the common myths about retiring in Bali that you’d like to correct?
Many people from Australia and other parts of the world are under the impression that Bali is full of Aussie Bogans but it couldn’t be further from the truth. There are people from all walks of life and many nationalities that call Bali home, whether it be for a year or decades. Living here creates a very different mindset from your average once a year holidaymaker and you adjust accordingly. Retiring in Bali up to this point has been an easy adjustment for me. You soon adapt to the slower pace of life, the weather and the traffic in some locations.
Have you taken part in local traditions or learned any of the language?
Prior to moving to Bali I used a popular language learning app to gain an understanding of the Indonesian language and once I was settled here, I enrolled in a one month course to build on my language skills. Being able to speak the language goes a long way to embracing the locals and their culture. The locals love that you try and you meet the most amazing people because of it. I was invited to a wedding by a lovely young man from Flores after spending an hour in traffic chatting in a mix of Bahasa Indonesia and English.
My friendship with a local family from Sanur has provided me with opportunities to attend a baby ceremony, Balinese wedding, cremation ceremonies, a house-building ceremony and also special temple ceremonies on holy days. Having been accepted into the family has allowed me to experience a wonderful and unique insight into the culture and gain an understanding of the amazing rituals of Bali.
Any specific tips for those moving on their own?
My advice to other Australians considering retiring in Bali is do your research, prepare a flexible budget and take your time to adjust when you get here. You don’t need to have everything in place all at once as living here is very different to your usual holiday. Join some FB and Whatsapp groups and immerse yourself with the locals and their culture. You will meet the most fantastic people and have some incredible experiences. Most importantly, be prepared for lots of friends visiting from Australia when they know you’re living in Paradise.
